BREAKING: Secretary Ed Murray steps down amid allegations

WYOMING – Wyoming Secretary of State Ed Murray announced today he will resign as Secretary of State effective immediately saying he needs to focus on his marriage, family, and health.

“The truth is no one asked me to resign. The truth is that I loved public service,” Murray stated before mentioning claims for two women in his past that he acted inappropriately with them. “The truth is that my family and I have been devastated as we encountered two allegations in December and January.”

Murray said he is confident he leaves Wyoming in superb shape with an incredible team of dedicated professionals and outstanding public servants in place.

Murray’s office announced Deputy Secretary of State Karen Wheeler will serve in the interim until a permanent replacement is appointed by the Governor.

“I’ve come to the realization that I am unable to focus entirely on serving the good people of Wyoming while simultaneously needing to process all the fallout from these allegations for which I have issued previous statements,” Murray added.

Murray denied claims from both Tatiana Maxwell, made in December, and Theresa Sullivan Twiford, who came forward in January saying Murray forcibly kissed her on New Years Eve 1988 when she was babysitting for the family. Murray said he had no recollection of the NYE kiss but announced shortly afterword he would not seek a second term as SOS nor run for governor as many had speculated.

“I truly am enormously thankful to the people of Wyoming for the honor and privilege of serving this Great State during the past three years,” Murray closed his statement. “I am eternally grateful to my wife and family and many friends and supporters through this journey—with its highest of highs and its lowest of lows. I want to thank the people of Wyoming who have offered me tremendous support during my tenure. I will never forget your lasting kindness.”